US acted in ‘bad faith’ in visa case
New Delhi, December 29
The US apparently acted in "bad faith" in preparing a visa fraud case against Devyani Khobragade and "evacuating" members of her maid Sangeeta Richard's family despite being aware of India's legal processes that a dispute between a diplomat and her domestic employee could only be contested in an Indian court.

India begins equipping new mountain strike corps
New Delhi, December 29
India has started equipping the newly raised specialised mountain strike corps aimed at countering China. A set of six specialised aircraft aiding operations in mountains have been ordered from the US while the case of acquiring specialized attack helicopters and heavy lift copters have moved ahead in the Ministry of Defence.

Six specialised aircraft to aid operations in mountains have been ordered from the US. Tribune file photo

Hisar hits season’s low of -0.8°C
Chandigarh/Srinagar, December 29
Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and most parts of Punjab and Haryana continued to reel under chilly conditions with night temperatures plummeting to season’s low of -17.3°C in Leh in the Ladakh region and -0.8°C in Hisar.

Chill factor A tourist captures the view as icicles appear at Sinthan Top, 48 km from Kokernag, in Anantnag district of south Kashmir on Sunday. Tribune photo: Mohd Amin War

Jat couple who fought their own to save Muslims
Muzaffarnagar, December 29
Torched houses and barren streets stare at you as you enter Fugana - one of the nine villages worst hit by the September 8 communal clashes that shook Western Uttar Pradesh and displaced more than 50,000 Muslims.

Fugana village’s ex-sarpanch Ved Pal Malik stood against his men to defend Muslim neighbours. Tribune photo: Mukesh Aggarwal

Punjab investment— reality check-II It’s time for speedy clearances Chandigarh, December 29 The Punjab Government’s vision to create a one-stop clearance for all fresh investments is good, but implementation of the aspect in the state’s New Industrial Policy will be the key to its march from an agrarian to industrialised economy.